5 best value picks of 2020 NFL Draft; Ravens hit multiple home runs
San Francisco 49ers – Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee
The 49ers traded up in the first round to get their replacement for Emmanuel Sanders, Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk.
While Aiyuk is an ideal fit for the Kyle Shanahan offense, Jennings, San Francisco’s last selection in the draft, gives the Niners something they haven’t had at the receiver position with his 6’3″ and 215-pound frame and his ability to dominate at the catch point.
Jennings, who played predominantly as a big slot at Tennessee, lacks the agility Shanahan typically likes in his receivers, but the 49ers head coach will likely have turned a blind eye to that because of what the former Volunteer does after the catch.
Indeed, Jennings runs with anger with the ball in his hands and bounces off tackles for extra yardage almost at will. That determination allowed him to average 16.4 yards per reception during his final collegiate season.
With Jalen Hurd set to return from the back problem that robbed him of his rookie season, the 49ers have two huge targets who can operate as de-facto move tight ends and prove excellent complements to Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk and All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
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Hurd, as a former third-round pick, is a better bet to make the roster. However, the fire Jennings played with in college indicates he will be a hard man to leave off the 53. The 49ers have excelled at unearthing late-round gems in recent years, and Jennings could prove another if he makes the final roster.